Manual suggests VW Golf R might get even more power

The Volkswagen Golf R revealed in November 2020 had 320 PS (316 hp / 235 kW) under the hood, but its instruction manual actually makes mention of another, more powerful engine not yet available at this point.

The manual lists the available engines for the various Golf specifications, including the GTI, GTI TCR, GTD, and GTE. Included among others is a mysterious 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit rated at 245 kilowatts (333 PS / 328 hp) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque.

This could be the R Plus version of the Golf that rumors have been going on about for seven years now. Ever since the R400 Concept debuted at the Auto Beijing 2014, speculation has been spreading that Volkswagen was readying a high-end R420 spec for launch. The company had allegedly intended to ask Audi to lend its inline-five engine for the purpose, but Audi declined the offer, leaving VW looking for other options.

Even if Volkswagen AG were to produce a particularly powerful Golf R, it will likely take a while to arrive, given that the regular R has only just debuted.